Kathleen Kessler

Kathleen Kessler

Resident of Pioneer, CA

Lost her courageous fight with cancer on September 30, 2010 in Pioneer, CA at the age of 52 years. She is survived by her father, Robert Kessler of Redwood City, sisters, Karen Kessler of El Granada, Kristen Kessler and brother Richard Kessler both of Redwood City, CA, her long time companion Tom Williams of Pioneer, and her niece and nephew, Brandon and Kelly Onisko. Her mother Joan Kessler and her brother Robert Kessler predecease her.

Kathy was born and raised in Redwood City; she attended Mt. Carmel Elementary School and Notre Dame High School. She was a Camp Fire Girl for many years. She spent over thirteen summers at Camp Caniya hiking, canoeing and backpacking, returning to work as a counselor and a camp cook. Kathy was a graduate of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco and spent the last 30 years working in the restaurant industry. Her long career that began in a camp kitchen soon moved to a ski lodge in Alta, Utah where she combined her love of cooking with her love for mountains and skiing. Kathy returned to the bay area and worked in several restaurants. She worked as a sous chef, baker and caterer, and soon added head chef and manager to her list of accomplishments.

In 1993 Kathy moved to Pioneer with her brother Bob... She worked at Iron Mountain Ski Resort until it closed and then ran Mace Meadows Restaurant for seven years. For the last three years, Kathy was a well-loved server at Jackson Rancheria. Kathy's free time was filled with her many hobbies and talents. She was an excellent seamstress, gardener, piano and guitar player and she sang with the voice of an angel. Kathy was a longtime Giants fan, and she also achieved the rank of a brown belt in karate! Kathy had a passion for travel, working on her goal of camping in all the National Parks. Her favorite places were Hawaii, Yellowstone, and the Sierras. She spent many winter days on the slopes at Kirkwood having fun skiing.

Kathy had a great love for animals. She rescued many homeless "babies" and gave them a wonderful home. Rosie, Sally, Scruffy, Rocky, Mitzi and Tucker will sorely miss her. Most impressive of all was Kathy's love for her family and friends. Her gentle sweet nature was a rare gift to be treasured. Her generosity was sincere, her presence a comfort. Kathy's sense of humor was unique-always ready to be shared-along with her heart-warming laughter. All our lives were brightened by her smile. May Kathy's courage give us strength and may we be comforted by knowing that Kathy is still right where she's always been-in our memories, in our souls and our minds. While we're still here to love her, her light will continue to shine.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2010 at Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church in Pioneer at 1:00 P.M. The family asks that donations be made to Hospice of Amador & Calaveras Counties, P O Box 595, Jackson, CA 95642.